Pressure will be the key for Farrer League Under 17.5 representative team against Riverina League

TAKE THE GAME ON: Farrer League under 17.5 representative coach Nigel Smith addresses his players at their final training session at Maher Oval on Thursday night.

The Farrer League’s under 17.5 representative coach, Nigel Smith, wants his players to seize their opportunity on Saturday against the Riverina League.

While GWS Giants commitments this weekend will keep a number of talented players out of both sides in the under-age representative encounter at Robertson Oval, Smith said it will offer others a chance to be tested.

“It gives the other kids an opportunity to show their skills and their wares,” Smith said.

“When you put together a rep side and are training for a few nights, it’s good exposure. It will give them an idea of where they’re at compared to other players.”

It’s also a challenge for the Farrer League to see where it’s at with emerging talent as well as the top grade and Smith success will start with a team that wants to play for each other.

“We did a bit of competitive work (at training) to show players you’ve got to protect your teammate even though you’ve only known him for an hour. Be prepared to play the team game like you would at club level,” Smith said.

“But then show the skills that are why you got picked in this rep side. Take the game on. I want players wheeling around, playing on, demanding players to come past for a handball and open the game right up.”

Smith believes their strengths are across half-back through Luke McCabe, Hayden Nelson and Fynn De Bono, while midfielders like Keigan King, Harrison Leddin and Toby Lawler have senior experience.

Northern Jets’ forward Mitch Doyle will also present a big target up forward.

But they know the Riverina League will present formidable opposition.

“I think the RFL will be fit and very well-skilled. If we play one-on-one footy – the Farrer often likes it a bit tougher – we might be able to put them under a bit of pressure,” Smith said.

“We need a high pressure game, high intensity, and for our players to show the skills that we’ve got.”